Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Who’s REALLY Behind The “No Kings” Protest?"

Release Date: June 17, 2025
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook

Introduction

In this episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Michael Duncan, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook delve deep into the origins and motivations behind the recent “No Kings” protests. The discussion is rich with analysis of political strategies, funding sources, and the broader implications for the Democratic Party and the left-wing movement. Additionally, the hosts engage their audience with thoughtful commentary, interviews, and a touch of humor in their variety segments.

Unmasking the "No Kings" Protest

Michael Duncan kicks off the episode by questioning the authenticity of the “No Kings” movement, suggesting it lacks grassroots support and is instead a well-funded orchestrated operation.

[04:04] Michael Duncan: "We have a great show for you. We had the No Kings protest over the weekend and you're gonna find out who is really behind that movement, which I think is very interesting."

John Ashbrook introduces the idea that prominent left-wing figures, like Randy Weingarten, the head of the teachers’ union, are more theatrical than genuine in their activism.

[05:20] John Ashbrook: "She's absolutely not done that. But, like, what is she doing here? Like this. This. This tells you so much."

The hosts explore the financial backing of the protests, revealing a staggering $2.1 billion machine behind the movement, involving numerous Democratic-aligned organizations.

[07:14] Michael Duncan: "The writer here, Azra Nomani. The title is the 2.1 billion machine behind Spontaneous Anti Trump Protests."

They emphasize that the protests are far from spontaneous, highlighting coordinated efforts through money and strategic planning.

[10:11] Comfortably Smug: "And you saw over the weekend clips of people who were in their cars saying, yeah, I was paid $200 to go to one of these rallies."

Analyzing Protest Footage and Public Perception

The hosts play various clips to illustrate the absurdity and theatrics of the protests. One notable segment features protesters dressed as cats, attempting to mock military parades celebrating American troops.

[14:44] John Ashbrook: "You have people dressed up as cats walking down a sidewalk... It's terrible theater. They should be mocked."

Comfortably Smug criticizes the protesters for their lack of genuine purpose and the perception that they are undermining the celebration of American military achievements.

[16:11] John Ashbrook: "This was all the folks who saw it, saw it. It was such a treat... and Donald Trump and all this sort of. And the bands that were playing and everybody there was having a good time."

The discussion shifts to the mental health crisis evident among some protesters, exemplified by a 74-year-old woman exhibiting extreme paranoia and fear.

[20:43] Comfortably Smug: "I'm just so scared and upset... She's 74, and they wound her up to the point that she's just crying and paranoid."

Impact on the Democratic Party and Left-Wing Movement

John Ashbrook contrasts the left’s insular base with the growing conservative movement, arguing that the left's command-and-control tactics have led to radicalization and isolation.

[21:08] John Ashbrook: "The left has just made their base more insular and insular and insular, and kept them in a silo of information where they're being told that... it's a horrible thing."

Michael Duncan emphasizes the lack of genuine grassroots support, likening the movement to a Don Quixote scenario where activists are fighting imaginary foes.

[19:10] Michael Duncan: "It's like Don Quixote. They have this idea, this nightmare of America they think is real, that they're fighting against."

Audience Engagement: Question of the Day

The hosts pose a question to their listeners regarding the sustainability and future impact of the “No Kings” movement on the Democratic Party and upcoming midterm elections. They encourage listeners to submit their thoughts for discussion in future episodes.

[23:16] Michael Duncan: "Our question of the day... Is this going to be a sustainable movement for the left? Is this a thing that they're going to build on?"

Interview Segment: Ray Starling on the "Big Beautiful Bill"

In an insightful interview, Ray Starling from the North Carolina Chamber discusses a critical provision in the ongoing reconciliation bill that threatens tobacco farmers in North Carolina and other tobacco-growing states.

Key Points Discussed:

• Duty Drawback Provision: A longstanding provision dating back to 1789, aimed at making American exports more competitive by offering tax rebates on products exported abroad.

  [56:52] Ray Starling: "The general premise is that if you import a product... you get a tax rebate... that helps us be more competitive in tobacco around the world."

• Economic Impact: The provision is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of North Carolina’s tobacco industry, which contributes significantly to the state's economy.

  [58:53] Ray Starling: "The Tobacco Growers of Association have estimated... we would lose about a fifth of the crop, 20% of the crop."

• Cultural Significance: Beyond economics, tobacco farming holds cultural importance in North Carolina, contributing to community heritage and educational institutions.

  [60:29] Ray Starling: "There’s a lot of people that are connected to this industry... trying to get the word out to them is exactly what our Ag Future is all about."

Comfortably Smug underscores the parallel between tobacco in North Carolina and coal in West Virginia, highlighting the cultural pride associated with these industries.

[60:39] Comfortably Smug: "Tobacco in North Carolina is a lot like coal in West Virginia. There's a cultural significance to that product."

Variety Segment: The Italian Crypto Scam Parody

Injecting humor into the episode, the hosts present a parody of an Italian crypto scam involving a convoluted kidnapping and false narratives. This segment serves as both entertainment and satire of complex political and financial schemes.

[47:11] Comfortably Smug: "This story has crypto, it has kidnapping, torture case... and it’s got a little bit of sexiness to it."

The parody highlights the exaggerated nature of scams and the often ridiculous lengths to which perpetrators go to deceive victims.

[52:08] John Ashbrook: "This is like Italian brain in action... Don Corleone."

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the significance of understanding the true backers of movements like “No Kings” and the broader implications for American politics. They emphasize the importance of informed listening and encourage audience participation in future discussions.

[67:05] John Ashbrook: "Absolute banger of an episode... Stay ruthless."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [04:04] Michael Duncan: "We have a great show for you. We had the No Kings protest over the weekend and you're gonna find out who is really behind that movement."

• [16:11] John Ashbrook: "This was all the folks who saw it, saw it... and everybody else is like, well, let's celebrate these troops."

• [21:08] John Ashbrook: "The left has just made their base more insular... it's a horrible thing."

• [40:23] Comfortably Smug: "A quarter bill, a lot of money to this."

• [56:52] Ray Starling: "The general premise is that if you import a product... you get a tax rebate."

Conclusion

This episode of the Ruthless Podcast offers a critical examination of the “No Kings” protests, uncovering the financial and organizational structures behind them. Through incisive analysis, engaging interviews, and a blend of humor, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current political landscape and its underlying forces. The discussion not only sheds light on the tactics of left-wing movements but also highlights the economic and cultural challenges facing industries like tobacco farming in states like North Carolina.

For those interested in political strategy, grassroots movements, and the interplay between funding and activism, this episode serves as an enlightening resource.